In June 2023, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will launch a new program called Verified Travellers, which will provide eligible travellers with a better security-screening experience at select airports across Canada.
Hopefully, this will expedite things for the coming summer season, but it is still recommended to get to the airport early and enjoy some time in VIP lounges instead of in security lines!
Eligible travellers will be able to benefit from these advantages:
Passengers wearing headwear, including religious or cultural head coverings, may continue to wear them. However, you may be required to remove your headwear or head covering for a physical search.
The Verified Traveller program will be available at the following airports, with their respective launch dates:
Verified travellers on transborder flights (towards the United States) will receive similar benefits, such as keeping permitted liquids in their carry-on, wearing shoes, belts, light jackets, and headwear, and storing small items in pockets. Co-travellers can also accompany verified Travellers during the screening process, regardless of age.
These transborder benefits only apply at Montreal-Trudeau and Toronto-Pearson airports.
Additionally, Verified Travellers will receive front-of-the-line service at specific airports.
The participating airports for this benefit include:
To become a Verified Traveller, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Verified Traveller membership is available to:
Given that several credit cards offer NEXUS credit, such as the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can become a Verified Traveller for free if you have the right credit card. If you do not already have one, you can sign up for one to take advantage of this as well as a generous welcome bonus.
In addition, because of the appointment backlog for NEXUS interviews despite new options, this is very useful if parents have NEXUS while the children do not. While families travelling with young children can usually access an expedited line, it is not the case when travelling with teenagers.
Passengers who have undergone extensive background checks are eligible for benefits under the Verified Traveller program at select security checkpoints in Canada.
Verified Traveller program benefits include keeping liquids and electronics in carry-on, wearing shoes and jackets, and allowing co-travellers who are 17 or younger or 75 or older.
Signs at the select checkpoints will indicate the availability of a Verified Traveller service and its associated benefits.
The Verified Traveller program is expected to launch by June 21, 2023, depending on each checkpoint.
CATSA aims to improve the security screening experience for verified travellers as part of its ongoing operational enhancements.
Co-travellers aged 17 and under or 75 and older can use the Verified Traveller lines when flying with a verified traveller on the same flight. No age restrictions apply at Transborder checkpoints or checkpoints with front-of-the-line service.
Eligible verified travellers include NEXUS and Global Entry members, serving Canadian Armed Forces and U.S. military members, Canadian aircrew and airport workers with RAICs, international aircrew in uniform with valid airline ID, and RCMP officers and Canadian police officers with proper identification.
NEXUS members are automatically recognized as verified travellers. You can benefit from a free membership with select credit cards.
Operating hours may vary, but if a checkpoint is open, all Verified Traveller services will be available.
While the new Verified Traveller program aims to improve the security screening experience, wait times may vary due to factors like passenger volume. CATSA advises arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before US and international flights.
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